U.S. patent number 8,479,686 [Application Number 13/645,154] was granted by the patent office on 2013-07-09 for pet feeder system for a handicapped pet owner.
The grantee listed for this patent is Matthew T. Johnson. Invention is credited to Matthew T. Johnson.
United States Patent |
8,479,686 |
Johnson |
July 9, 2013 |
Pet feeder system for a handicapped pet owner
Abstract
A pet feeding and watering system that dispenses pet food and
water and has an adjustable height for people with limited
mobility. The system has a base platform and a dual food and water
dispenser. The dual food and water dispenser includes a vertical
chute and a vertical hose. The vertical chute include a plurality
of plastic or plexiglass panels that are spaced evenly from the top
interior of the chute to the base of the chute in a zigzag
configuration. The top of the chute has an open receptacle end
where food and water are placed. The vertical hose is attached to
the side of the chute by bracket fasteners and runs the length of
the chute. The base of the chute includes a funnel mechanism that
receives the vertical hose and directs water into a water dish. The
chute includes at least one sliding component and one fixed
component, where the fixed component has notches that engage a
handle attached to the sliding component to secure the chute to the
desired height. The pet feeding and watering system can also
include a plastic pitcher, marked with incremental measurements,
for pouring appropriate amounts of water into the water dispenser.
When not in use, the pitcher rests in the chute's open receptacle
end.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Matthew T. (Chicago,
IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson; Matthew T. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
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Family
ID: |
48222837 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/645,154 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130112146 A1 |
May 9, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61555081 |
Nov 3, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/61.57;
119/51.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
5/00 (20130101); A01K 7/00 (20130101); A01K
5/0114 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
5/01 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;119/51.01,51.5,52.1,72,74,61.57,61.5,61.1,61.2,58,60 ;D30/121
;248/407,423,295.11,297.31 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rockman; Howard B.
Parent Case Text
This application claims priority of provisional application Ser.
No. 61/555,081, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, to the extent allowed by
law.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination pet feeding and watering system comprising: a. a
base platform; b. a dual dispenser mounted to said base platform
comprising a vertical chute at least one open receptacle and a
vertical hose communicating with said at least one open receptacle;
said chute comprising at least one sliding element and one fixed
element to raise or lower the desired height of the chute and an
open end at the top of the chute; and c. the vertical hose
extending from said at least one open receptacle to said base
platform.
2. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein said
chute includes a means of controlling the speed of the material
descending down the length of the chute.
3. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 2, wherein the
means of controlling the speed of the food includes at least one
baffle plate adapted to guide material passing through the
chute.
4. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 3, further
comprising a plurality of baffle plates configured in a zigzag
orientation from the top interior of the chute down the length of
the chute to the base of the chute, said baffle plates dividing the
chute into a plurality of chambers.
5. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 3, wherein the at
least one baffle plate is made of plastic.
6. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 3, wherein the at
least one baffle plate is made of plexiglass.
7. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
chute includes a platform and an intake framework positioned at the
top of the chute.
8. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 7, wherein the
platform and intake framework accommodate the chute and a water
dispenser.
9. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 7, wherein the
platform is rectangular in shape.
10. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
base of the chute includes an open, tapered dispenser nozzle, said
nozzle directing the food into a food bowl.
11. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
dual dispenser includes a funnel mechanism attached at the open
receptacle end at the top of the chute, a. said funnel mechanism
attached to the vertical hose and adapted to direct water through
the vertical hose.
12. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
vertical hose runs the length of the chute.
13. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
vertical hose is secured to the chute by a plurality of bracket
fasteners.
14. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
length of the vertical hose is greater than the length of the
chute.
15. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
system includes a pitcher marked with incremental measurements.
16. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 15, wherein the
pitcher rests in the open receptacle at the top of the chute.
17. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 1, wherein the
fixed component includes notches.
18. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 17, wherein the
sliding element moveably fixed at said desired height include a
tongue-in-groove system with one of a handle and integrated
threaded fasteners for locking the chute to said desired
height.
19. The pet feeding and watering system of claim 18, wherein the
handle includes a tab that latches into the notches in the fixed
component for locking the chute to said desired height.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a feeder system for pets, and more
particularly to a feeder system for pets that provides pet owners,
particularly those who suffer limited mobility and are thus
physically incapable of bending over to refill an animal's food or
water dish, a more practical and comfortable means of providing for
their pet's most basic needs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
America is a country of dog and cat lovers. In fact, according to
the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, (APPMA), there
are approximately 60 million owned dogs in the United States and 75
million owned cats. A simpler means of understanding these figures
is to say that four in ten households include a family dog, while
nearly three in ten include a pet cat. Why do so many people have
pets? The answer to that question is simple; pets provide
unconditional love, companionship and unmatched loyalty to their
owners. While dogs are known to provide protection and happy
companionship, cats are more independent, yet nonetheless still
offer love and warmth. Schedules of feeding are just as important
to an animal as they are to a human, and conscientious pet owners
feed their pet at set times and in a set location within or outside
the home.
While there is little dispute that providing food and water to a
dog or cat is an essential aspect of pet ownership, doing so can be
challenging to many pet owners. Specifically, over 54 million
Americans suffer from some form of limited mobility, and for them
the act of bending over and lifting a heavy feeding dish is not an
option. Limited mobility can result from a variety of causes such
as arthritis, muscle deterioration or inactivity. This is
particularly prevalent in the older population where
musculoskeletal disabilities, medical conditions and visual
impairment can result in back pain, arthritis or other conditions
that can cause the person to suffer a loss of dexterity.
Unfortunately for the millions of caring pet owners who suffer the
short term or long term effects of limited mobility, even the
simple task of feeding their animal can be rife with challenges. As
such, these pet owners often have no other choice but to give away
a beloved dog or cat, simply because they are not physically
capable of caring for the pet's most basic needs. Considering that
dogs and cats are loving companions that provide much comfort and
amusement, especially to those who live alone, it is tragic that
caring pet owners should give up their pets, simply because they
are unable to lift up a food dish.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,191 discloses an automatic pet feeding and
watering device that consists of a food dispensing hopper supported
on legs extending from each inwardly tapering corner of the hopper.
A food agitator and a conveying worm shaft is supported in the
hopper for conveying the food therein to a chute at one side
leading to at least one food pan between two adjacent legs. A
closed water tank is secured between two other adjacent legs, with
a downward discharge pipe beneath which a water trough is placed,
the pipe extending below the trough sides but above its bottom, the
end of the pipe determining the water level in the trough. A timed
motor rotates the food agitator shaft, and through a pair of
cooperating bevel gears, a second shaft operates a water control
shaft in the tank downwardly extending pipe, for also dispensing
the water simultaneously with the food. The automatic pet feeding
device of U.S. Pat. No. '191 can be made small enough for a bird
cage or big enough for cats, dogs, and horses. Although the device
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. '191 is meant for automatic feeding,
people of limited mobility would not be able to fill the food
hopper and water tank.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,796 discloses a dog feeder apparatus that
includes a plurality of tanks and associated trays. A water tank
provides fluid to a forwardly oriented bowl assembly and a food
tank provides dry-type dog food to a forwardly oriented second bowl
assembly. The dog feeder apparatus also includes an
intercommunicating manually reciprocatable valve that enables fluid
from the water bowl to enter a perimeter through the dry dog food
bowl to effect moisturizing of the dry dog food. The food tank is
refillable by removing the top of the tank and the water tank is
refillable by removing the water tank entirely. The dog feeder
apparatus of the '796 patent is not designed for people with
limited mobility. A person using the dog feeder discloses in the
'796 patent would have to bend down to refill the food tank and
would have to bend down to remove the water tank, fill the water
tank, and bend down again to replace the water tank.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,686 discloses an animal feeder that includes a
food supply hopper disposed in the middle of a water reservoir
means for containing a water supply, which encircles the food
supply hopper. The feeder also includes a food trough, operatively
associated with the outlet for dispensing the animal food that
includes an extension member that extends above and beyond the
water reservoir. The food trough includes a weather guard
encasement and a door. The water reservoir includes a valve means
that connects to a water supply. The animal pushes the door open
and eats the food from the food trough and drinks from the water
reservoir. The user loads the hopper by removing the lid on top and
filling with dry pet food. The user connects a water supply, such
as a garden hose, to the valve means and as the water level in the
water reservoir decreases, the float in the valve decreases and
allows water from the water supply to flow through and fill the
water reservoir. As the water in the water reservoir rises, the
float rises and cuts off the water supply. The animal feeder of the
'686 patent is not intended for people of limited mobility as they
have to connect the water supply and bend down to refill the hopper
as needed.
The prior art to date does not disclose the unique pet feeder with
adjustable dispensers to allow people of limited mobility to
provide food and water for their pets. None of the prior art can be
combined in a way to suggest these necessary modifications. There
is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation that would have enabled a
person of ordinary skill in the art to modify any prior art pet
feeder to allow for adjustable dispensers.
It is a primary object of the present invention is to provide a
unique pet food and water product that offers pet owners who suffer
limited mobility a sensible solution to the aforementioned
challenges.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a unique
pet food and water product that provides pet owners with an easy
and convenient means of keeping their animals fed and hydrated
without having to kneel, bend or otherwise stoop to the ground in
order to do so.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
unique pet food and water product that ensures that pet owners do
not over or under feed their pet.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
unique pet food and water product that includes a zigzag dispensing
chute, providing pinball machine action and creating a whimsical
display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The adjustable pet feeder system of the present invention is a pet
feeding station comprised of adjustable dispensers which are
positioned directly above an animal's food and water dishes, thus
enabling the user to fill the food and water bowls while
comfortably standing upright, or even while seated in a chair,
mobility scooter or wheelchair. The present pet feeding station can
be manufactured primarily of heavy duty and shatterproof plastic
material, while plain, treated or painted wood versions of the unit
could also be made available.
The adjustable pet feeder system of the present invention comprises
a base platform and a dual dispenser mounted to the base platform.
The base platform, on which the actual food and water dispenser is
securely mounted, is a unique, trapezoid shape and would be sized
appropriately to accommodate the actual dispenser unit. The dual
dispenser, mounted to this base platform, is comprised of a
vertical chute, inside of which food would be poured and delivered
directly into a food dish positioned directly below and in front of
the unit base. An embodiment can include a funnel mechanism in the
open receptacle end at the top of the chute that attaches to a
flexible plastic hose that is mounted to the side of the chute,
with the user pouring water into the funnel in order to fill the
companion water dish.
The chute is generally a two piece unit, rectangular in shape, and
measures 38 inches in height when fully extended, with both the
width and the depth measuring approximately four inches, and
comprises a sliding component and a fixed component that enables
the user to raise or lower the height of the chute to accommodate
the dimensions of the user's pet's feeding dish, as well as the
user's own stature. The sliding component and fixed component have
a tongue-in-groove system with either a handle or integrated
threaded fasteners that enable the user to lock the chute at the
desired height. Positioned at the top of the chute is a rectangular
shaped platform and framework that accommodates the chute, as well
as the companion water dispenser. A plurality of plastic or
plexiglass panels are spaced evenly, in a zigzag configuration,
from the top interior to the base of the chute, dividing the chute
into a plurality of chambers that ensure that the food cascades
down the chute slowly and gently, effectively eliminated spills and
preventing the pet owner from inadvertently overfilling the food
dish. An open, tapered dispenser nozzle, that directs food directly
into the pet's dish, is positioned at the base of the chute.
The companion water dispenser is positioned directly beside the top
of the chute and is secured within the device's rectangular
framework. The water dispenser is comprised of a square shaped,
open ended plastic funnel mechanism, on the base of which a length
of flexible plastic tubing is integrally attached. The tubing runs
the length of the chute and is secured to the side of the chute by
way of a plurality of sturdy bracket fasteners. This tubing would
measure several inches longer than the chute itself, with the open
end of the tubing designed to be positioned directly over the pet's
water dish. To facilitate use, a handy plastic pitcher, marked with
incremental measurements, could be included for sale with the
adjustable pet feeder. The pitcher is appropriately sized to rest
within the chute's open receptacle when not in use and includes an
elongated and tapered handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is further described with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front, side perspective view of a first embodiment of
the adjustable pet feeder of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable pet feeder of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable pet feeder of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable pet feeder of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the first embodiment of the adjustable pet
feeder of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable pet feeder of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
The adjustable pet feeding device 10 of FIG. 1 is comprised of a
sturdy base platform 12, on which the actual dual food and water
dispenser 14 is securely mounted. The platform 12 is made of a
heavy duty and shatterproof plastic material or a sleek wood,
features a unique trapezoid shape, and is sized appropriately to
accommodate the actual dispenser unit 14. Mounted to base platform
12, the dual dispenser 14 is comprised of a vertical chute 16,
inside of which food 18 would be poured and delivered directly into
a food dish 20 positioned directly below and in front of the
platform 12. A funnel mechanism 22 and flexible plastic hose 24 are
mounted to the side of chute 16, with the user pouring water into
the funnel 22 to fill the companion water dish 26.
The chute 16, as illustrated, is a two piece unit comprised of
sliding component 28 and fixed component 30 that enable the user to
raise or lower the height of the chute 16, shown in FIG. 2, to
accommodate the dimensions of the pet's feeding dish 20. For
practical purposes, the sliding component 28 and fixed component 30
would have a tongue-in-groove system (not shown) with a handle 32
attached to sliding component 28, shown in FIG. 3, that engages
notches 34 on fixed component 30 and enables the user to "lock" the
chute 16 at the desired height. The handle, shown in FIG. 6, is
attached at each end to sliding component 28 and includes a tab 56
half way between each end. The tab 56 hooks into a notch 34 of
fixed component 30 at the user's desired height. In an alternate
embodiment, the sliding component 28 and fixed component 30 would
have a tongue-in-grove system (not shown) with integrated threaded
fasteners (not shown) that enable the user to "lock" the chute 16
at the desired height.
Generally rectangular in shape, chute 16 would measure
approximately 38 inches in height when fully extended, with both
the width and depth of the unit measuring approximately four
inches. Positioned at the top of the chute 16 would be a
rectangular shaped platform 36 and intake framework 38 that
accommodates the chute 16, as well as the companion water dispenser
40. A plurality of plastic or plexiglass panels 42 are spaced
evenly, in a zigzag configuration, from the top interior of the
chute 16 to the base of the chute 16, dividing the chute 16 into a
plurality of chambers 44 that ensure that food cascades down the
chute 16 slowly and gently, effectively eliminating spills and
preventing the pet owner from inadvertently overfilling the dish
20. An open, tapered dispenser nozzle 46, shown in FIG. 5, that
directs food directly into the pet's dish 20, is positioned at the
base of the chute 16.
Positioned directly adjacent the top of the chute 16 and secured
within the device's 10 rectangular framework 38 is the companion
water dispenser 40, comprising the square shaped, open ended
plastic funnel mechanism 22, on the base of which the length of
flexible plastic tubing or hose 24 is integrally attached. Tubing
24, shown in FIG. 4, runs the length of the chute 16 and is secured
to the side of the chute 16 by a series of sturdy bracket fasteners
48. Tubing 24 measures approximately several inches longer than the
chute 16 with the open end 50, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, of the
tubing 24 designed to be positioned directly over the pet's water
dish 26. To facilitate ease of use, a handy plastic pitcher 52 (not
shown), marked with incremental measurements that enable the user
to precisely fill the water dish 26, would be included. An
elongated and tapered handle 54 (not shown) ensures a comfortable
hold on the pitcher 52 and the pitcher 52 is sized appropriately to
rest within the chute's 16 open receptacle 50 when not in use, thus
facilitating easy access when needed. The pet feeder 10 of the
present invention could be sold fully assembled or in an easy to
install kit form.
Use of the pet feeder described above is simple, fun and
straightforward. First, the user would place the pet feeder 10 in a
designated area of the home, such as a kitchen, coat room or other
area where the user commonly feeds the pet. According to easily
followed package instructions, the user, alone or with the
assistance of a friend, would adjust the height of the pet feeder
10 to accommodate both the height of their animal's feeding dishes
20, 26, as well as the user's own stature, by extending sliding
component 28 along fixed component 30 and locking tab 56 of handle
32 into notch 34 of fixed component 30. For instance, a wheelchair
bound owner of a small dog would position the chute 16 so that the
unit's food dispenser nozzle 46 was lower to the ground and
directly above the animal's small feeding dish 20 with the top of
the chute 16 positioned for easy reach from the wheelchair. Once
the desired height of the pet feeder 10 has been ascertained, the
user would lock the height into place via the handle or threaded
fasteners (not shown) included for sale with the unit. Next, the
user would position their animal's feeding dishes 20, 26 directly
in front of the base 12 of the unit 10, placing the food dish 20
directly below the extended dispenser nozzle 46 located at the
bottom of the chute 16, and placing the water dish 26 directly
beside the food dish 20. The user then inserts the flexible plastic
tubing or hose 24 that comprises the water dispenser 40 directly
above or into the animal's water dish 26, and the unit 10 is ready
for use. The user then utilizes the included pitcher 52 to scoop
the appropriate amount of dry food 18 from its product packaging,
pouring the food 18 directly into the top of the chute 16. This in
turn causes the food 18 to carefully travel down through the
chute's 16 individual zigzag chambers 44, creating a whimsical and
fun display, with the food 18 ultimately landing at a slow velocity
directly in the animal's feeding dish 20. The user could then rinse
the pitcher 52 clean and fill it with fresh water, pouring this
water into the attached funnel mechanism 22 located at the top of
the unit 10. This in turn releases the water through the attached
tubing 24 that is affixed to the side of the chute 16, with the
water dispensed directly into the animal's water dish 26. With the
food and water dish filled, the user then calls their dog or cat to
dinner! The animal then eats and drinks from its bowls per usual,
with the user repeating this process with each feeding.
There are several significant benefits and advantages associated
with this unique pet feeder invention. Foremost, the present
invention would provide pet owners with an easy and convenient
means of keeping their animals fed and hydrated, without having to
kneel, bend or otherwise stoop to the ground in order to do so. The
pet feeding station can be loaded with fresh food and water while
the user is comfortably standing upright or is seated. The present
invention enables those pet owners who suffer from limited mobility
such as back, muscle or joint pain, as well as infirmities which
compromise their ability to stand or walk, a practical means of
caring for and feeding their pets. Providing these pet owners a
level of independence, use of the present invention effectively
enables these individuals to care for their pet's most basic needs
on their own, thus insuring they could enjoy the companionship and
love that animals provide. Food and water can be poured into the
device 10, with the included pitcher 52 marked with incremental
measurements that ensure the user does not over or under feed their
pet. Consumers can enjoy the fun of watching food travel down the
dispenser panels 42, with the zigzag motion harkening to the sounds
and images of a pinball machine in action, thus creating a
whimsical display. Although designed expressly for general
household use, the feeding system of the present invention can also
prove a unique and practical device for installation at kennels,
boarding establishments and similar pet care facilities.
The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was
selected to best explain the principles of the invention and
practical application of these principles to enable others skilled
in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be
limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set
forth below.
* * * * *